Apparatus and method for controlling cooling fan of vehicle

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes an information detector that is configured to detect information for operating the cooling fan and a blower assembly including a motor driving the cooling fan and a resistor adjusting a speed of the motor. A relay unit is configured to selectively supply power to the blower assembly. A connecting unit includes a high speed connector that is directly connected to the motor, a low speed connector that is connected to the motor via the resistor, and a ground connector that connects the motor to a ground. Additionally, a controller is configured to operate the relay unit based on the information detected by the information detector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0164784 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Nov. 24, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle that prevents the cooling fan and a motor from being damaged in a cold weather.

(b) Description of the Related Art

Since there is a risk of explosion due to excessive heat generated at a vehicle engine, coolant for cooling the engine is circulated throughout the engine. The heat of the coolant is radiated at a radiator, and a cooling fan is installed in an engine room of the vehicle to improve heat radiating effect of the radiator. The cooling fan prevents an engine from being overheated by maintaining the coolant temperature at an appropriate temperature, and thus superior performance of the engine may be achieved. The cooling fan is operated by a motor that may be operated at different speeds. A resistor may be used to adjust the speed of the motor. When power is supplied to the motor via the resistor, the motor may be operated at a low speed.

During colder weather (e.g., winter weather conditions or the like), a freezing phenomenon is often generated due to moisture or snow flowing into the cooling fan. The cooling fan is not generally operated in such colder weather conditions, but when a defrost function is engaged to remove frost, an air conditioner is operated and then an air conditioner pressure is gradually increased. When the air conditioner pressure is greater than a threshold, the cooling fan should be operated. However, since rotation movement of the motor is restricted due to the freezing phenomenon, the cooling fan may be not appropriately operated. When the motor is operated at the low speed when the freezing phenomenon is generated, a substantial amount of heat may be generated at the resistor due to the restriction of the motor, and in severe cases, the resistor and the vehicle may be damaged by the heat.

The above information disclosed in this section is merely for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle having advantages of preventing a resistor included in a blower assembly from being damaged in a during colder weather conditions.

An apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: an information detector configured to detect information for operating the cooling fan; a blower assembly including a motor driving the cooling fan and a resistor configured to adjust a speed of the motor; a relay unit configured to selectively supply power to the blower assembly; a connecting unit including a high speed connector directly connected to the motor, a low speed connector connected to the motor via the resistor, and a ground connector that connects the motor to a ground; a controller configured to operate the relay unit based on the information detected by the information detector, wherein the controller is configured to turn the relay unit on or off based on a state of an air conditioner switch, an air conditioner pressure, and a coolant temperature when an external air temperature is less than a reference temperature.

The relay unit may include: a first relay connected to the high speed connector; and a second relay connected to the low speed connector. The second relay may be maintained in an off-state when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature. The controller may be configured to turn on the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an on-state, the air conditioner pressure is greater than a reference pressure, and the coolant temperature is greater than a first preset temperature.

The controller may be configured to turn on the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an on-state, the air conditioner pressure is equal to or less than a reference pressure, and the coolant temperature is greater than a second preset temperature. The controller may further be configured to turn on the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an off-state, and the coolant temperature is greater than a third preset temperature.

The information detector may include: an air conditioner switch sensor configured to detect the state of the air conditioner switch; an external air temperature sensor configured to detect the external air temperature; a pressure sensor configured to detect the air conditioner pressure; and a coolant temperature sensor configured to detect the coolant temperature. The information detector may further include a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a vehicle speed, and the controller may be configured to turn the relay unit on or off based on the state of the air conditioner switch, the air conditioner pressure, the coolant temperature, and the vehicle speed when the external air temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle travels in a cold weather condition, the cooling fan may be operated without using the resistor included in the blower assembly, thereby preventing the resistor 153 from being damaged. Further, the vehicle may be prevented from being damaged due to heat generated by the resistor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A brief description of each drawing is provided to more sufficiently understand drawings used in the detailed description of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an operation chart, used when an external air temperature is less than a reference temperature, of an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is an operation chart, used when an external air temperature is greater than or equal to a reference temperature, of an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

-   -   50: an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle     -   110: controller     -   120: information detector     -   121: air conditioner switch sensor     -   123: external air temperature sensor     -   125: pressure sensor     -   127: coolant temperature sensor     -   129: vehicle speed sensor     -   130: relay unit     -   131: first relay     -   133: second relay     -   140: connecting unit     -   143: high speed connector     -   146: low speed connector     -   149: ground connector     -   150: blower assembly     -   153: resistor     -   157: motor     -   160: cooling fan

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an operation principle of an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the attached drawings and a detailed description to be given later relate to an exemplary embodiment of several exemplary embodiments for effectively describing a characteristic of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to only the following drawings and description.

It is understood that the term “vehicle” or “vehicular” or other similar term as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in general such as passenger automobiles including sports utility vehicles (SUV), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, combustion, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g. fuels derived from resources other than petroleum).

Although exemplary embodiment is described as using a plurality of units to perform the exemplary process, it is understood that the exemplary processes may also be performed by one or plurality of modules. Additionally, it is understood that the term controller/control unit refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules and the processor is specifically configured to execute said modules to perform one or more processes which are described further below.

Furthermore, control logic of the present invention may be embodied as non-transitory computer readable media on a computer readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller/control unit or the like. Examples of the computer readable mediums include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards and optical data storage devices. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed in network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable media is stored and executed in a distributed fashion, e.g., by a telematics server or a Controller Area Network (CAN).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention. The terms used herein are defined according to the functions of the present invention, and may vary depending on a user's or an operator's intention and usage. Therefore, the terms used herein should be understood based on the descriptions made herein. Further, to effectively describe technical characteristics of the present invention, the following exemplary embodiment may appropriately change, integrate, or separate terms to be clearly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus 50 for controlling a cooling fan 160 of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a controller 110, an information detector 120, a relay unit 130, a connecting unit 140, and a blower assembly 150. The controller 110 may be configured to operate the information detector 120, the relay unit 130, the connecting unit 140, and the blower assembly 150.

The information detector 120 may be configured to detect information for operating (e.g., controlling) the cooling fan 160, and the information detected by the information detector 120 may be transmitted to the controller 110. The information detector 120 may include an air conditioner switch sensor 121, an external air temperature sensor 123, a pressure sensor 125, a coolant temperature sensor 127, and a vehicle speed sensor 129. The air conditioner switch sensor 121 may be configured to detect a state of an air conditioner switch (i.e., detect whether the air conditioner switch is turned on or off), and transmit a signal that corresponds thereto to the controller 110.

The external air temperature sensor 123 may be configured to detect an external air temperature and transmit a signal that corresponds thereto to the controller 110. The pressure sensor 125 may be configured to detect an air conditioner pressure (i.e., a pressure of a refrigerant) and transmit a signal that corresponds thereto to the controller 110. The coolant temperature sensor 127 may be configured to detect a coolant temperature and transmit a signal that corresponds thereto to the controller 110. The vehicle speed sensor 129 may be configured to detect a vehicle speed and transmit a signal that corresponds thereto to the controller 110. The controller 110 may be implemented with one or more processors executed by a predetermined program. The predetermined program may include a series of commands for performing each step in a method for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Further, the relay unit 130 may be configured to selectively supply power to the blower assembly 150. The relay unit 130 may include a first relay 131 and a second relay 133. In particular, the first relay 131 and the second relay 133 may be turned on or off by the controller 110, to supply power to the blower assembly 150 or block the supply of power to the blower assembly 150. The connecting unit 140 may connect the blower assembly 150 to the relay unit 130. In addition, the connecting unit 140 may include a high speed connector 143, a low speed connector 146, and a ground connector 149. The high speed connector 143 may be directly connected to the motor 157, and the low speed connector 146 may be connected to the motor 157 via a resistor 153. The high speed connector 143 may be connected to the first relay 131, and the low speed connector 146 may be connected to the second relay 133. The ground connector 149 may connect the motor 157 to a ground GND.

The blower assembly 150 may include the motor 157 and the resistor 153. One end of the motor 157 may be connected to the high speed connector 143 and the other end of the motor 157 may be connected to the ground GND. The motor 157 may be configured to operate the cooling fan 160 by rotating a blade within the cooling fan 160. The resistor 153 may be configured to adjust a speed of the motor 157. In other words, as resistance of the resistor 153 increases, the speed of the motor 157 may be decreased. When the first relay 131 is in an off-state and the second relay 133 is turned on, the motor 157 may be operated at a low speed (e.g., about 1400 rpm). In contrast, when the first relay 131 is turned on and the second relay 133 is in the off-state, the motor 157 may be operated at a high speed (e.g., about 1800 rpm). The cooling fan 160 may be operated by the motor 157 mounted within the blower assembly 150. The cooling fan 160 may prevent an engine from being overheated by maintaining the coolant temperature at an appropriate temperature, and thus superior performance of the engine may be achieved.

FIG. 2 is an operation chart, used when an external air temperature is less than a reference temperature, of an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, when the external air temperature is less than a reference temperature, the controller 110 may be configured to operate the cooling fan 160 without using the resistor 153. In other words, when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the second relay 133 may be maintained in an off-state. The reference temperature may be set a value which is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art to determine whether the vehicle travels in a cold weather condition.

When the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the controller 110 may be configured to operate the cooling fan 160 based on the state of the air conditioner switch, the air conditioner pressure, and the coolant temperature. The external air temperature may be detected by the external air temperature sensor 123, the state of the air conditioner switch may be detected by the air conditioner switch sensor 121, the air conditioner pressure may be detected by the pressure sensor 125, and the coolant temperature may be detected by the coolant temperature sensor 127.

In particular, when the air conditioner switch is in an on-state, the air conditioner pressure is greater than a reference pressure (e.g., about 1521 kPa), and the coolant temperature is greater than a first preset temperature, the controller 110 may be configured to turn on the first relay 131. Additionally, the motor 157 may be operated at the high speed. The reference pressure may be set by a person of ordinary skill in the art to prevent an excessive increase of the air conditioner pressure. The first preset temperature may be set by a person of ordinary skill in the art in consideration of the reference temperature and the reference pressure. The first preset temperature is exemplified in FIG. 2 as 30° C.

Meanwhile, when the air conditioner switch is in the on-state, the air conditioner pressure is equal to or less than the reference pressure, and the coolant temperature is greater than a second preset temperature, the controller 110 may be configured to turn on the first relay 131. The second preset temperature may be set by a person of ordinary skill in the art in consideration of the reference temperature and the reference pressure. The second preset temperature is exemplified in FIG. 2 as 105° C.

Meanwhile, when the air conditioner switch is in the off-state and the coolant temperature is greater than a third preset temperature, the controller 110 may be configured to turn on the first relay 131. The third preset temperature may be set by a person of ordinary skill in the art in consideration of the reference temperature and the reference pressure. The third preset temperature is exemplified in FIG. 2 as 105° C. Since the cooling fan 160 may be operated without using the resistor 153 when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, even though rotation movement of the motor 157 is restricted, the resistor 153 may be prevented from being damaged.

FIG. 3 is an operation chart, used when an external air temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, of an apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, when the external air temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the controller 110 may be configured to operate the cooling fan by selectively using the resistor 153.

When the external air temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the controller 110 may be configured to operate the cooling fan 160 based on the state of the air conditioner switch, the air conditioner pressure, the coolant temperature, and the vehicle speed. The vehicle speed may be detected by the vehicle speed sensor 129. The operation chart shown in FIG. 3 is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. An air conditioner switch state condition, an air conditioner pressure condition, a coolant temperature condition, and a vehicle speed condition under which the motor 157 is operated at the high speed or the low speed may be appropriately modified.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle travels in a cold weather condition, the cooling fan 160 may be operated without using the resistor 153 mounted within the blower assembly 150, thereby preventing the resistor 153 from being damaged.

While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle, comprising: an information detector configured to detect information for operating the cooling fan; a blower assembly including a motor configured to drive the cooling fan and a resistor configured to adjust a speed of the motor; a relay unit configured to selectively supply power to the blower assembly; a connecting unit including a high speed connector directly connected to the motor, a low speed connector connected to the motor via the resistor, and a ground connector connecting the motor to a ground; a controller configured to operate the relay unit based on the information detected by the information detector, wherein the controller is configured to turn the relay unit on or off based on a state of an air conditioner switch, an air conditioner pressure, and a coolant temperature when an external air temperature is less than a reference temperature.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the relay unit includes: a first relay connected to the high speed connector; and a second relay connected to the low speed connector.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, the second relay is maintained in an off-state when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an on-state, the air conditioner pressure is greater than a reference pressure, and the coolant temperature is greater than a first preset temperature.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an on-state, the air conditioner pressure is equal to or less than a reference pressure, and the coolant temperature is greater than a second preset temperature.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an off-state, and the coolant temperature is greater than a third preset temperature.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information detector includes: an air conditioner switch sensor configured to detect the state of the air conditioner switch; an external air temperature sensor configured to detect the external air temperature; a pressure sensor configured to detect the air conditioner pressure; and a coolant temperature sensor configured to detect the coolant temperature.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the information detector further includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a vehicle speed, and the controller is configured to turn the relay unit on or off based on the state of the air conditioner switch, the air conditioner pressure, the coolant temperature, and the vehicle speed when the external air temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature.
 9. An method for controlling a cooling fan of a vehicle, comprising: detecting, by a controller, information for operating the cooling fan; selectively supplying, by the controller, power to a blower assembly including a motor configured to drive the cooling fan and a resistor configured to adjust a speed of the motor; operating, by the controller, a relay unit to supply the power to the blower assembly based on the detected information, turning the relay unit on or off, by the controller, based on a state of an air conditioner switch, an air conditioner pressure, and a coolant temperature when an external air temperature is less than a reference temperature.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the relay unit includes: a first relay connected to the high speed connector; and a second relay connected to the low speed connector.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: maintaining, by the controller, the second relay in an off-state when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: turning on, by the controller, the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an on-state, the air conditioner pressure is greater than a reference pressure, and the coolant temperature is greater than a first preset temperature.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: turning on, by the controller, the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an on-state, the air conditioner pressure is equal to or less than a reference pressure, and the coolant temperature is greater than a second preset temperature.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: turning on, by the controller, the first relay when the external air temperature is less than the reference temperature, the air conditioner switch is in an off-state, and the coolant temperature is greater than a third preset temperature. 